Home / Sports / Marathon Runner Collapses Near Finish Line, Fights For Life
Marathon Runner Collapses Near Finish Line, Fights For Life
4 May
Summary
- A paramedic suffered a cardiac arrest one mile from the London Marathon finish.
- He was running in memory of his grandmother who died from dementia.
- A GoFundMe has been established to support his family during his critical illness.
A paramedic's life hangs in the balance after a sudden cardiac arrest occurred just one mile from the finish of the London Marathon. The 43-year-old, identified as Gareth Hopkins, is currently in intensive care in a critical condition at a London hospital.
Hopkins was participating in the marathon to honor his grandmother, Tricia Petts, who died in January 2025 following a six-year struggle with Alzheimer's and dementia. He had recently begun exercising, having previously been inactive, undertaking the 'Couch to 5K' program before committing to the full 26.2-mile event.
Friends and colleagues have launched a GoFundMe appeal to assist his wife, Jodie, their young children, and his parents. Hopkins has served for 20 years with the East of England Ambulance Service, dedicating his career to helping others. The London Marathon, which took place last Sunday, successfully raised over £87.5 million for various charities.
